FORT MCMURRAY — The Central Alberta Buccaneers knew they’d be in tough while attempting to upset the Fort McMurray Monarchs and punch their ticket to the Alberta Football League final.

They were correct.

The Bucs were hammered 43-7 by the Monarchs in a semifinal contest Saturday, their inability to stop running back Melvin Abankwah proving big-time costly.

Abankwah ran through and around the Buccaneers defenders while scoring three touchdowns.

“You have to just use your eyes when you’re going through holes and that’s what I did today,” the Monarchs back told Fort McMurray radio station mix 103.7fm. “I just read the holes and hit it, right to the end zone.”

The Monarchs will take on the host Calgary Gators in the AFL championship contest this Saturday. The Gators downed the St. Albert Stars in the other semifinal.

“Our running game was very effective today,” said Monarchs head coach Dave Spence. “And (Quarterback) Carson Williams threw the ball very well and hit the receivers when he needed to hit them.

“Obviously the Gators will be a formidable opponent next weekend and we’ll have to overcome some things and meet some challenges.”

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